Historically, ostriches were found across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as parts of Asia Minor. Today, their range is limited to the savannahs and Sahel region of Africa, as well as the semi-arid and desert areas of southwest Africa.

Although ostriches cannot fly, they are exceptional runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 kmph on land, and they can maintain this pace for over 30 minutes.
Ostriches are omnivores, with a diet primarily consisting of plants such as roots, leaves, and seeds, but they will also eat insects and small animals like locusts and lizards. They don't need to drink water directly, as they hydrate through the plants they consume. However, they can drink water if available.
In terms of reproduction, the male encourages several females to lay eggs in a shared nest, or "scrape." The dominant female can distinguish her own eggs and will eject those laid by other females. The eggs, the largest in the animal kingdom, incubate for about 42 days, with both males and females taking turns incubating. Ostriches typically live in groups of about ten individuals.

With a population exceeding two million, ostriches are classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. They are often kept in captivity for educational purposes due to their status as the largest living bird.
Historically, the species faced threats, including hunting for their feathers, and were hunted to extinction in Syria and Arabia. However, the global population is currently stable.

The myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand is a misconception. When males dig nests and turn their eggs with their beaks, it can appear from a distance as though their heads are buried, but in reality, they do not bury their heads in sand.

Ostriches have had a long connection with Fota Wildlife Park. Over the years, ostriches have bred successfully at Fota. The birds cohabit with other species on the African Savannah and are fed specialised ostrich pellets. During the Spring and Summer months, ostrich eggs are often displayed in the park's incubation house.